And for some- that extra special love that just makes this time of year burst with happiness and cheer.
Whether it’s a Boyfriend, Fiancé, or Husband, it’s just somehow perceived as “better” with that person.
Right?
But what do you do… if your single?
Because how is it that around the holidays being single, just feels even more prominent?
Mistletoe kisses.
In front of the tree pictures.
Family gatherings have everyone paired off.
And there you are, alone.
Ugh, of course.
Here we go again.
And I’m supposed to be cheerful and happy?
I’m going to be really real here…
I’m not going to act like it doesn’t bother me.
It definitely does.
I love romance, I love the idea that two people can fall so much in love with each other that they realize they have the only one they want to be with, forever.
I have always felt that way.
In my heart of hearts, I love, love.
And being around so many people who have that, when I currently do not, definitely weighs on a girl.
And you start to question…will I ever get my chance? My guy? My moment? My love?
I’m sure many of you ladies can relate.
And I will admit there are moments within the holiday season where I will feel my heart ache, and I will wish I had that special guy sitting next to me holding my hand, or look over to see him chatting with my guy cousins (who are probably ranking on him, because that’s what they do). Or baking cookies and wishing I could ask his opinion, or someone to just do all the holiday greatness with- like shopping for gifts, seeing the Christmas lights, or visiting Rockefeller center, or helping me conquer my current fear of ice skating. Or simply just sitting on the couch watching Home Alone in Christmas PJ’s.
Now that I think about it, I’m quite sappy. Haha. But hey I don’t care. You can’t regret what you want, if it’s really something truthful in your heart. And that is the image I have in my heart when I think about being in love during the holidays.
But then I look around and I realize having a relationship would only add to my already happy holidays. My family is crazy. And every year feels the same. Stressful and rushed.
But I love my family. I love my holidays.
I love visiting family, going to church, baking goodies, exchanging gifts, sipping hot chocolate, eating my heart out.
I love dressing in silly t-shirts or ugly sweaters and other crazy accessories [See: antlers & Christmas light necklace], chatting with my cousins, playing with the kiddies, and still finding A Christmas Story Christmas Day Marathon to be the greatest thing ever.
I love our bootleg chimney with our old school stockings.
I love my best friend Christmas day I have every year with my best friend Roe!
I love the holidays.
And as much as I may have my moments of sadness at times, I don’t think I would want to ever take the memories I have away, even though I’m single.
Sometimes you have to look at what you do have, and focus on that, rather than focus on what you don’t have.
There are often so many areas of life we feel we need to be good at all the time. And often times we struggle trying to make that happen. It’s impossible. You can do anything but not everything. You can be anything, but you can’t be everything, to everyone, all the time. If you try to, you will break.
As the summer comes to an end, the self-bashing comes for not doing half of the things I wanted to. Summer is kind of like New Year’s Eve in that way, don’t you think? We make so many promises to ourselves and then life happens.
I’ve been really thinking about my relationship with video and film making. And because of this, I’ve learned a few things. I wanted to get really real with myself about this topic. To back track just a bit, I have a Bachelor of Arts degree. I studied Mass Communications with a concentration in Film and Broadcasting. The dream-the goal- to write for television. And yet when I look at all the video projects I’ve actually finished…the total number is not many. Many unfinished scripts/ideas for scripts collecting dust too!
Back in college, I had to do a few projects- one was a music video which I did for The Civil War’s Poison & Wine and the other was a concept video which was about throwing away stereotypes- it was very abstract and I titled it “Tearing Down The Label Makers.” It’s crazy because I feel like the message holds even more relevance today. Then I worked on my thesis which as you may know was a documentary about a day/or days in the life of my Grandmother who had been struggling with Alzheimer’s disease. I did two versions of that for two separate classes- one was the full version, and one was an abridged trailer version entitledVai Com Deus.
“Poison & Wine” Video Shoot-
“Tearing Down The Label Makers” Video Shoot-
Neither the music video nor the concept video have been uploaded to YouTube, although considering these two were my very first video projects I am still very proud of how they came out and the messages behind them. I’m seriously considering sharing them. Providing the actors give their permission for me to do so, actually I’m pretty sure I had them all sign release forms!
During my college years I also attempted to shoot a script I wrote called Dumb Luck. A lot of time and production went into that but, it never got finished and the footage has been difficult to revive since my college computer died on me and I’ve gotten a new one. I am hoping to revive that and get that up, it’s super raw, and you can definitely tell I was just starting out but the story is juicy. We only got to shoot the montage sequence. But a few years ago I shared the script, if you’d like to read that…click HERE.
“Dumb Luck” Prop Pictures
“Vai Com Deus” process-
Since I graduated I’ve done a few little side projects that are actually finished- I shot a yoga video for my cousin, a poetry video for MLW- to name a few and a couple of vlogs. The vlogs are less planned and less cinematic of course.
Yoga Video Shoot (Behind the Scenes) (this is not available to watch, even though she was happy with the result-the video was for a school assignment and my cousin didn’t want it uploaded.)
“Secret” Society Video Shoot/Vlogs (Behind the Scenes)
Then there are more video attempts- there are bits of footage shot for a zombie horror short that my brother and I had been working on. We even got as far as building a timeline of the clips in editing, but then…life. Life came in, things got busy, I got distracted and something else needed my attention.
“Inhumane” process- (Behind the Scenes)
Its 4 years now since I graduated and it seems that every time I get close to the idea of shooting something- I may do well for a brief time but then cue the rut.
The other day I was going through some old paperwork and things, trying to organize my room and I came across some old scripts and video treatments/storyboards. Both were horror related. One was the zombie short titled Inhumane, the other titled Head Over Heels (which I think would be a bad ass Halloween upload). And when I see these scripts and how the planning process was beginning it makes me want to get back into video. But then I hit a wall and the reality sinks in. There’s just no realistic way. For the past-I want to say 2 years- I have been well involved/invested in the engagements, weddings, bridal/baby showers of many people that are very close to me. And I have had to really dedicate my time and my funds to them. When I think about doing something short/simple- I think how I don’t have the actors, or the equipment, to do so.
I know I’ve mentioned this before, my brother is a photographer and he has a lot of equipment that I’ve used in the past. But I’m very weird about using it, mostly because he’s very particular about it, lol. And I get nervous I’ll do something wrong! And so because of that I am very weird about asking him for help. I feel like it’s a burden, especially now that he is newly married and he and his wife are expecting their first child. Even though he has been hounding me to get back into shooting Inhumane, I know he simply doesn’t have the time, we don’t have the people, and quite honestly there are just so many other things I’d love to shoot instead. #HeadOverHeels #MysteriousAttractionTeaser
I also don’t have the best sound equipment or the best editing software either so it’s kind of like a million things weighing against me. I think about how people would perceive the work I put out. “Didn’t she go to school for film and video? This sucks!” That’s how I feel they would judge it. Along with all the other worries, I fear I may not be good enough at it.
I know this may seem like I’m complaining and I’m not. I don’t want pity. I understand that life is fast paced and ever changing. I love being asked to be part of special moments in people’s lives. People who mean the world to me. But sometimes when everything seems to happen all at once it can be very overwhelming. And we all know that I can get overwhelmed pretty easily and my anxiety definitely tends to spike a lot more when too much change is happening.
I just think that in life you often have to prioritize and these things in my life have been coming one after the other and they need special attention. I’m the type of person who really wants to show up for you on your special day/during your special time. My relationships with my family and friends are everything to me. And so I give 150% every time. (Or at least I really try too!)
With my bank accountant taking some serious hits over the past few years, lol-so has my time management skills. I can multi task…sure…just ask my computer- I can have 8 different tabs open at once and hit all of them. But I can’t say with absolute confidence that I can multi task well all the time. I just end up overwhelming myself and needing to narrow things down. Focus on one thing at a time. Rightfully so…no? I mean how much wedding/baby events/day to day responsibilities can one girl take at once? Ya know? It’s a lot. But thankfully, thank god it’s mostly beautiful, happy stuff, all deserving of celebration. I will always be grateful for that.
Needless to say I know there are ways around this funk I’ve created for myself. I know that fear of inadequacy, lack of funds and time are a huge part of why video has taken a back seat. But I want to try and make some solutions to these problems.
Dear Michelle,
ACTORS– ask people I know/ research sites that can help find actors willing to participate for low funds or pizza! Haha. Asking people you know, can be difficult, it doesn’t always work out. My film and video professor used to always tell us to have a plan B because people aren’t always reliable and it can break your heart when a project falls through the cracks. This I know first hand. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve asked family or friends to be apart of shorts and they cancelled on me because of work or life in general got in the way. It happens, I get it. But creatively, it’s heart breaking. Another thing to consider when filming is to keep the shorts abstract- quick cuts- simple images-
Avant Garde it- experimental film, experimental cinema- a mode of filmmaking that rigorously re-evaluates cinematic conventions and explores non-narrative forms and alternatives to traditional narratives or methods of working.
TIME– make time- plain and simple. Plan it out, and stick to a schedule.
SPACE/LOCATION– keep it local, go where you know- use people’s homes, lol.
FUNDS– keep things simple/super low budget- use house hold items.
EQUIPMENT– use equipment you have, or ask to borrow equipment in advance.
EDITING SOFTWARE– use what you have and make it work.
FEAR– “Never let the fear of striking out, keep you from playing the game.” -A Cinderella Story. Your never going to not be fearful of new challenges. You just have to decide how bad you want it, and be brave enough to just do it, to hell with what people think!
When you’re just starting out, or easing back into something Don’t Expect Perfection! If things are a little janky, it’s ok, it’s better to shoot footage than not try at all. And Vlogs do count. I’ve noticed I like vlogging when I have some cool things to do, I just have to get better at the editing turn around. Mini Vlogmas is still only partially edited. As is the Gender Reveal Party Vlog for my brother and sister in law and a Family Trip Vlog to Great Wolf Lodge we took last Summer. I also shot a bunch of footage of a Polar Express Trip and my best friend’s engagement night. Really got to get back to editing!!!!
*Current Update– Since I last scheduled this post (which was a while ago back in the Summer when I was what I like to call bulk blogging) I have edited my butt off and have finished editing Vlogmas, The Gender Reveal, The Great Wolf Lodge Trip and The Engagement. I however am torn as to whether or not I should post them on YouTube/link them on this blog. I know have alluded to the fact that I would post them, I’ve mentioned it in many blog posts [including the Vlogmas announcement], however I am not the only person in them and I don’t know if others would appreciate their images being out on the internet. I know- why announce Vlogmas, take forever to edit them, and then never post them. The truth is I did do a small Vlogmas, and I did edit them, but I don’t feel 100% comfortable sharing videos of my family. I may just keep them as home movies for me, and my friends and family. But I am excited that I got so many of them done. That’s a win for me!
When things start to settle down on the wedding/baby front, I will start to save up for some new equipment. In the mean time, I just have to do it. Pick up the camera I do have and shoot something. Stop worrying about how crappy it might turn out and just dive in. I know I’ll feel better once I do. And the excitement and natural high of doing something I love will come back. I just need to do and stop second guessing, stop making excuses and just use the time I do have for myself wisely.
The reason for this long winded post is because I needed it. Sometimes you need to reflect on all the ways you let life pass you by in order to make you realize that you need to try a little harder to make your dreams come true. Be a bulldozer – and plow through the writer’s block, through the lack of inspiration, through the Summer Blues, through the funk that I’ve been in, and just go for it!
So here’s hoping to change my mind set! Wish me luck. No Scratch that- Wish me determination!
FRIDAY: I had a day off of work so I met my friend for dinner at a local Greek restaurant.
Grape leaves & some red wine
SPANAKOPITA (Spinach Pie)
Lamb Gyro Platter
After we went for some coffee and ice cream at Dunkin Donuts.
My newest drink is an iced decaf hazelnut swirl coffee. So good!
I tried their Caramel Macchiato Ice Cream. Delicious!- (Google Images)
This was a nice little catch up time with my best friend Jenny. She’s getting married in less than 2 weeks. And we had much to discuss. Her fiancé joined us at Dunkin’ Donuts which was a nice well rounded night out before I get to witness their BIG DAY, as her maid of honor.
SATURDAY:I went out to the outlets upstate with some family and we shopped til we dropped! Literally.
I caught some good sales! I needed some nice summer outfits for work- I got some really great stuff!
*Stay Tuned for a Clothing Haul!
SUNDAY: I met up with my Best Friend Roe and her cousin for brunch to celebrate her birthday and her wedding. She had gotten me this voucher to a place in the city called Vandal, so we just decided to make it one big all inclusive celebration.
The ambience was very cool, covered in street art inspired walls.
Seriously wanted to hide this lamp in my purse and take it home.
We really treated ourselves that day. We just got a whole bunch of dishes to share. And topped it all off with a pitcher of Sangria.
Left to Right: Sangria, House Salad, Coffee Pancakes, Polenta w/ Scrambled Eggs, Frittata, and Chicken and Waffle Mac & Cheese. Everything was served in pretty small proportions and it was definitely a splurge but, it was all really delicious and we got to sample a lot of different things. You know what they say…sharing is caring. 😉
After we relaxed our stomachs a bit, we walked our food off and ventured toward Black Tap.
We got three different crazy shakes to share.
Left to Right: The Cookie Shake, Brooklyn Blackout, Bam Bam.
I know they look super intimidating, but honestly under all that fluff and decoration on top, it’s just a simple small shake. We shared and even ended up leaving some behind, because we were all so stuffed. But these were definitely delicious!
MONDAY: My brother and sister in law hosted their first BBQ. If I tell you how much food they had, it’d put the rest of my food filled weekend to shame.
To support the day I rocked a blue and white striped- off the shoulder top, a navy knit cardigan over top, some high-waisted acid washed jeans that I cuffed up at the ankle, and some black tie up flats. I kept my makeup simple with just a bold red lip and for hair- my go to messy bun. ❤
Corn Soufflé and Empanadas.
The picture on the right is a Berry Crumble which I made….you pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. So good!
I had such a great long weekend, filled with great company and great food. There’s no other way I would have liked to spend it. And I don’t get to go out and splurge often, so it was all a great time.
Thank you to all those who fought for our country. Your bravery is what allows us the freedom to be able to celebrate our own lives. I pray for your loved ones, that they can find comfort in your heroism, and I pray for your eternal life at peace. ❤
*All photos (with the exception of the dunkin donuts ice cream photo) are my own.*
Hey guys, I know it’s been a while since I last posted consistently and on schedule. But I’ve been trying to think of something really cool to post and everything I think of just falls flat. But I recently had a cool idea. I’ve featured quite a few Short Story Series on this blog and I thought I’d do one big post including little summaries of each and the links to read them! In case you feel like diving into some dramatic love stories. So please, read at your leisure. 🙂
Summary: Lexie is a power house, a femme fatale with a rather dangerous job description. She is soon forced to balance her need for control with her ever cryptic view on love and happiness. As an overly intense affair comes to light with a handsome yet kind man named Carter. Their attraction and pull strong. Lexie is forced to face some harsh realities about who she is and what she really wants her life to be. Her feelings are growing and it isn’t something she expected. Falling from lust to love with a married man was not part of her plan. What scares her even more…he’s falling back.
Summary: Dean Sanders broke Lucy Michaelson’s heart years ago back in their home town of Oakland Valley, Minnesota. And since then she’s moved on- moved to New York, started her dream career. And so has he, or so they both thought. Everyone knew their story, knew their love was lost. But little does everyone know…there was always more to their story, more than Lucy ever let on. Follow their journey through awkward run ins and past memories- both good and bad.
Summary: Maggie is the crisp, clean, girl next door. Always playing it safe, always doing the right thing, risk is not a word she would use in her everyday vocabulary. But when she falls in love with Ricky- a man in the mob, she realizes that life is not always black and white. As danger creeps in, emotions heighten in this thrilling, yet sweet love story.
Summary: When Sage Renly finds herself running for her life, a mysterious stranger shows up in just the nick of time- Charlie Steinfeld. He becomes her ally and confident against her better judgement. It seems like their connection is unexplainable-almost as if it’s out of their hands. This is more than your typical two strangers finding each other by chance and falling in love, story. There are dark secrets hidden in the eyes of these characters, and as every mystery goes- there’s always more than what meets the eye.
Summary: Melanie Evans was so close to having it all, and then tragedy struck. Something that years later she still can’t overcome. There is only one person in the world who can help, who can understand her-Oliver King, her college sweetheart. And yet he is miles away- both literally and figuratively. When Melanie returns to her hometown, old memories stir up old feelings. So many different feelings. Will she be able to get out of her own way to achieve the happiness she’s dreamed of all along? Or will she stay in isolation and despair unable to let go of her painful past.
********
Also I am attempting to dive into a new short story series….I’m still working on the title (I have a bunch of variations that I can’t decide on) but here’s a quick little sneak peek at the summary-
Liam Whitmore is a wealthy business executive who goes through the motions of working in his corporate world day after lousy day, making deals and kicking ass at it. However he often feels uninspired, and unable to do what he really loves. Until one day he meets a younger woman named Aria Lenz, struggling to become a dancer. Her simplistic yet driven nature strikes up a spark of inspiration in him, and he makes it his mission to get to know her. Little does he know, it’ll be the hardest “transaction” he’s ever had to make. They’re worlds apart- will he finally get through to her, or will his fire fizzle?
*I do not take credit for any images used in my edits.*
*All short stories are of my own written content.*
I recently have been feeling like I have a lot of things going on and I’m getting overwhelmed.
I know what else is new? Right?
But I’m stuck.
It’s that time of year where it’s getting hotter. I work closely with the school system, so it’s nearing summer break and all the kids are starting to lag and slow down and I feel by some extension that I am too.
There is this improvement list I keep thinking about.
Things I want to do and be better at, for myself-my career, my health, for my students, for my family, for my friends…
I teach 5 different creative activities and although it was my choice, I feel like I’m not doing as well as I hoped. I always have this vision and then it gets crazy and scattered and I end up scrambling in the last weeks.
And yet I am still also needed in a lot of other areas in my life- I’m in three more weddings- two of which I am maid of honor for, I’m going to be a Titi (An Aunt) in the fall I’m going to have a niece! And I’m planning for family occasions that keep popping up…the list always has something new added.
So I feel like I’m trying to be everything to everyone and still tryin to have some sort of social life and make time for myself.
My relationships in my life with family and friends are everything to me.
And I want to show up for everyone… for everything.
And lately, I just feel kind of all over the place, and pulled in many directions.
I feel like I’m dropping the ball, and I don’t know what to do.
To the point where I just want to throw myself on my bed and sleep to forget it all.
I’ve been going and going since what feels like forever, and I’m still going.
I don’t know how to get over this bump in the road.
There is so much I want to do for myself, and I feel like my career has been put on hold for so long, and I know that it is my fault.
But I’ve made strides to better my situation in the past and I feel like now I’m just stuck and safe.
I get worried that my dream of being a writer will never happen for me.
I know I have to push myself, and when I lack motivation, I need to learn to push past it.
But it’s difficult. For sure.
I don’t know where to start.
How to change.
I’m always buying, and doing for something else, that it’s easy for me to forget or slack on going after what I really want for myself.
I need to learn how to prioritize.
I need to learn how to use my time wisely.
I need to plan accordingly and not let myself get stuck in my comfort zone.
I need to realize that the change is within me, and no one else.
I can’t keep saying I’m stressed and overwhelmed and then just shut down.
Because what good is that then?
I can’t just keep going through the everyday routine without any progress or change.
But I don’t know how to do that.
And this is not a “feel bad for me” post, this is literally my way of trying to sort this mess out.
I know I will, I’ve done so in the past.
One day things just clicked and did what I had to do even though it was scary…even though it was hard.
So I’m hoping I get my click into place day soon.
Thanks for letting me vent, friends.
And if you can relate, tell me in the comments how you push past that feeling stuck feeling!
I’m a Romantic. Complete and total romantic. And when it comes to things I treasure, television is a passion for me. I love a good love story. The typical story of boy meets girl. Boy falls for girl and then boy does something stupid and boy loses girl. And how does boy get girl back? By giving the big speech. Full of raw emotional. where he just lays it all on the line, heart in hand. And hopes for the best. Sometimes the roles are reversed and it’s the girl who has to give the speech…just as effective! And sometimes the big speech isn’t always warranted by a mistake or need to apologize, but just to reaffirm their love to their partner. Either way, the big speech is always my favorite.
Here a few of my Favorite Big Emotional Speeches…
(in no particular order…and there are plenty more where they came from.)
Seth & Summer [The OC]
“You’re undeniable.”
Dante & Lulu [General Hospital]
“I love you, your the sole owner of my heart….Forget hard, I’m trying to make it damn near impossible for you to give up on us.”
Patrick & Robin [GH]
“The fact is I’ve loved you for a long time…I don’t even know when it started…”
Lucky & Elizabeth [GH]
“Everything I am is in love with you…”
“To describe how you look would only cheapen a reality. I couldn’t breathe.”
Nathan & Haley [One Tree Hill]
“I could love you forever.”
Jess & Rory [Gilmore Girls]
“Come with me. I’m ready for this, you can count on me now.”
Ross & Rachel [FRIENDS]
“It’s always been you, Rach.”
Caleb & Hanna [Pretty Little Liars]
“You won’t admit that we’re meant to spend the rest of our lives together.”
Mark & Lexie [Grey’s Anatomy]
“I’m saying you could have a husband.” #BasicallyAProposal
“I love you….oh god that just came flying out of my face…”
Jack & Elizabeth [When Calls The Heart]
“I don’t know if it’s fair to ask you to wait for me.”
What beautiful, beautiful words. They just hit you right in the feels. I love each of these scenes. I love how they display such true love. And I love how you can feel it radiating from your television screen. And that my friends, is why I swoon over love and television relationship arcs.
*I do not take credit for any of the videos used.*
You’re pumped and can’t wait to see if Ross and Rachel finally get back together.
But what makes all of that more sweeter?
The musical introduction of course!
The song you know by heart, and involuntarily bop along and sing to as it plays before you dive into the fictional world of your favorite characters.
I love television so much.
I love how you can be catapulted into a world of characters and experience their love and friendships throughout their journey. How you instantly feel like they become your family on that day, at that time. It’s like every week you can depend of them to make your day just a bit better.
And what I’ve learned about my love for television, is that the little bit of an intro matters to me. The song they choose- matters to me.
Because it has to reflect the show’s tone. And the images they place with it too. Of course theme songs are changed, modified, shortened, remixed, throughout the years. But still they set the tone for what’s in store for you and I for one don’t think television would be the same without them.
So let’s talk about some of my favorites- (in no particular order)
Buffy the Vampire Slayer
This song was my brother’s and my jam. When we were little every time we would watch the show, the song would come on and we’d just rock out. #IWhipMyHairBackAndForth Girls who wore one or more braids in their hair….you know what I’m talking about.
FRIENDS
What would life be like without this song? Unimaginable. Friends. I’ll Be There For You. You know you clap clap clap when they do, admit it!
This is one of the strictly instrumental theme songs out there, but I still get so happy whenever I hear it! Nostalgia.
The Fresh Prince of Bellaire
“In West Philadelphia born and raised….” Cue the rap props. If you know all the words to this song, dust off your shoulder cuz you are a bonified G. Am I right?
This show is my jam, I watch everyday before work!
Gilmore Girls
Do NOT get me started on my girl Carole King. This song is perfection and it’s like drinking a cup of tea (or ya know coffee coffee coffee) on a cold winter night. It’s just like a big hug!
Full House
If you don’t know this feel good song, where have you been?
Gavin… oh dear Gavin, I thank you for this and for being the introduction to the show that single handedly shaped my writer’s soul. Hearing this song now, takes me back to watching this story unfold nearly every week with my best friend at my side as we tried to navigate middle school, high school and even the early stages of college. 9 Years people, 9 years, that’s commitment.
The OC
Who else wants to live in California? They make it seem so nice. 😉
Seth Cohen is my spirit animal!
Degrassi
“Whatever it takes, I know I can make it through!” Positive Messages! You know before they hit you with a shit ton of teenage drama. 😉 #ILOVEDSHAWN
The Walking Dead
If you read my blog you may know that The Walking Dead and I have suffered a recent break up. After Glenn’s death our relationship just wasn’t the same and I needed my space. But any time I hear our song, it just brings me back. Another instrumental, but it is so damn eerie, and it is so damn good! Those violins get me every time!
So Little Time
I cannot even tell you how this song can transport me back into time. Put me on a beach in a long sweater and some capris. Girls you know what I’m talking about, watch that intro!
Gossip Girl
Simple, but so effective. Whispers Whispers Whispers. “That’s a secret I’ll never tell, you know you love me. XOXO Gossip girl.”
City Guys & Hang Time
These two shows may not ring a bell with anyone. But they were my Saturday mornings! I don’t even really remember what channel they were on, but I loved them and I still remember their theme songs until this day.
Theme songs are so important. I know that not all shows have them, or need to have them. But if they do, they have to be good, because years and years later they will stick with you and remind you of beautiful memories. As I wrote this post, the nostalgia was so sweet.
*I do not take credit for any videos, or music used.*
Last weekend we celebrated my best friend’s bachelorette party.
I have been planning it as far back as December, which was when I asked her for a guest list and contact information.
This is my first go at being a maid of honor and planning a bachelorette party, so I definitely learned a lot throughout the process.
I’m not saying that I am perfect, far from it! But I love party planning and I just thought I’d share some things I did or things I learned.
For starters before getting on the phone and booking things, I sat and had a chat with the bride to be, about what she wanted to do and how she wanted her night to be celebrated.
Once you have that information you can bounce around ideas with her bridesmaids and come up with some cool spots.
I suggest getting both email and phone contact information, because I found e-mail isn’t always most efficient. It’s going out of style.
I definitely think once you know your date, sending a save the date text, (or you can use evite like I did) just to put the word out there and let them know what’s being planned. Invites and Itineraries can be sent out closer to the date.
When I had a plan in mind, I began my research of locations that would compile all the aspects of what my friend wanted. She wanted to do a little pampering, dinner, drinks, and dancing.
We had a few underage girls, so what we decided to do was include some day time and night time activities, in order to include everyone.
We started the day at a local spa for some Mani/Pedi’s, and then had brunch at a nearby place. (literally a few doors away from each other…super convenient.)
Choice of mimosa, water, or tea
Pedicures with the bride to be…these neck pillows were lovely. Warm and smelt of Eucalyptus.
Manicures!
Cheers! 2 Peach Bellini’s and 2 Pomegranate Sangrias!
I got the Paradise Salad!
We then separated, some went to get their hair done, some got ready at home.
We met up at my friend’s house later to do a little Bachelorette Party stuff and have some drinks and snacks, before heading to the city for dinner and dancing.
Ignore the date, it’s wrong, lol.
I thought these drink markers were super cute!
The place we chose was this Mexican restaurant and dance lounge and was really such a steal. Ladies entered for free! The food was delicious, we got a free bottle of champagne, and they gave out glow necklaces. What more could you ask for?
^ I ordered the Crispy Boneless Chicken with a glass of Peach Sangria and the Fudge Brownie Sundae for dessert.They had a mariachi band walking around playing music too! Haha.So good!
Once done with dinner you could go either upstairs or downstairs to dance, one level was Latin music, the other mixed with the usual radio hits. And it was such a fun, all inclusive place. You know us girls in heels were grateful for that.
Also it was super convenient that they had a coat check too, because it’s still chilly at night and I knew we’d need our coats so I called ahead to be sure we’d have somewhere to put them.
Tips I picked up on:
*Carry less cash on you and your credit card.
*Use a cross body purse. #HandsFree
*If you are drinking- do NOT mix!
*Someone should always be the responsible one, I kind of played the mom role, I made sure everyone was always accounted for and safe. We are all pretty responsible any way.
*Do not go to the bathroom alone if it’s far from your group.
*Do not leave your drink unattended or take drinks from strangers.
*CHARGE YOUR PHONE- make sure it’s full battery before you leave for a long night. Luckily my friend also carries her portable charger too.
*Do not travel alone- pay the extra cash and carpool it home. (make plans with a travel buddy beforehand.) I have at least 2 car service numbers in my phone and you can usually catch a taxi in the city-but one of the girls actually had Lyft which was super convenient they came within 3 minutes.
*If you HAVE to travel home alone, drink responsibly and check in with that friend at night, make sure they got home safe.
BUY THE ACCESSORIES!
Even if your bride tells you not too, do it anyway! The pictures will thank you! My friend was all about her tiara, she left it on all night!
Items were bought online through party city & amazon.
Although planning these types of things can become stressful, remember who you are doing it for, and why. While I was planning this, a friend told me- “You can’t please everybody.” And it’s so true. So don’t try to.
We all had a great, safe, healthy, fun time! I think it’ll be a night we’ll never forget! ❤
My best friend is going to be treating me to a brunch and she also bought me this beautiful Portuguese candle. I am part Portuguese so this was super interesting to me and it smells beautiful too- the scent is Rose, Cassis, and Redberries!
Yes I know, the date is wrong, I can’t bother to fix it. #IDontKnowHow
I love the gold and pink detail. And can we just talk about that peacock patterned packaging? Gorgeous!
My other best friend bought me some of my favorite things, I love scarves, I love jewelry, I love bath and body works.
This Cucumber Melon scent makes me feel like I’m a tween again!
My brother and sister in law got me a nutra ninja, which is what I really wanted most. I can’t wait to start making smoothies! I was also told that my brother did the shopping this year, since my sister in law was feeling under the weather, and I have to say I think he did good on his own.
That Golden Girls shirt though. Mind you we didn’t even know what Golden Birthday was until after I opened my gift and then the shirt’s awesomeness was just elevated even more. It’s perfect because I’m a grandma at heart, such an old soul. Haha. Thank you for being a friend. Stay Golden! 😉
I’ve been wanting a new fake leather jacket, so my parents got me one.
My goddaughter, her baby brother and my cousins surprised me with a brownie cake and a new natural life water bottle. These are really good and I use one for work everyday so this is perfect. And seriously how cute is that pattern and that motivational message! Such a Michelle bottle.
She knows me for my messy hair buns! Haha.
Delicious!
One of my Aunts bought me a fit board. I mentioned wanting one so long ago, but couldn’t bring myself to spend the money. I can’t believe she remembered! It’s fun too! Feels like I’m surfing! #WipeOut Haha.
A few of my Aunts also gave me cards with money too, so the wheels are already turning with ideas on what I can buy with it. I’m kind of dying to just go full on splurge at my favorite drugstores and get all the makeup and nail polish I want! Haha.
Drugstore Haul?
This also happened on my birthday! And being that I am a total TV junkie and a romantic at heart, it made my birthday all the more sweeter! When Calls The Heart has become one of my new favorite shows…HE FINALLY ASKED! #JackAndElizabeth #WhenCallsTheHeart #Hearties #HeartiesLetsParty
I am so excited and appreciative of everything. I have already put some things to use! I’m one lucky girl to have people who celebrate with me each year! xoxo
This weekend I celebrated my 26th birthday. My birthday is March 26th, so I turned 26 on the 26th. And this is when I learned I was celebrating a Golden Birthday.
A person’s golden or grand birthday, also referred to as their “lucky birthday”, “champagne birthday”, or “star birthday”, occurs when they turn the age of their birth day.
Oh boy 26, I’m on the other side of the 5, and approaching 30, holy crap! Needless to say, I had such a great time with family and friends. Even my errand running went well! I found all that I needed for my best friend’s upcoming Bachelorette Party. That never happens!
FRIDAY NIGHT was my time to just relax and do a little pampering. I’ve been feeling overwhelmed lately with everything going on in my life and a lot of things needing to get done all at once, so I really needed this weekend to do my thing and relax.
Started my night off with some Sushi ❤
I’ve also been loving lighting candles.
FUN FACT: the one on the right was a gift from my brother and sister in law. They brought it back from Hawaii for me, it’s a pineapple candle that smells unbelievable and it’s in a coconut!
Spring is here ladies, so you know what that means, time to shave yo legs. haha
I tried this brightening mask, I’ve never done a face mask like this, and it was super strange, I felt like an Alien, I couldn’t move my face haha. But I didn’t hate it.
Gilmore Girls, kept me company during my pamper routine. ❤
SATURDAY NIGHT I met up with my best friends and their fiancés and they treated me to some drinks and desserts. A night filled with great company and great conversation.
I ordered the BLACK BOTTOM BUTTERSCOTCH A layer of bittersweet chocolate lies beneath creamy butterscotch custard, topped with fresh coconut whipped cream, and a chocolate wafer. And a glass of Moscato. It was delicious, I was sad when it was over! 😉
For my outfit, I wanted something comfortable, yet sophisticated. It’s a basic combination. But this picture of Bethany Joy Lenz was my inspiration for sure, (as usual.)
I had these basic pieces already in my closet so I thought, why not?
I love how these bracelets kind of tell my story, they each show important relationships I have in my life. I am M which stands for Me or Michelle. I am a daughter, a sister and a godmother amongst many other things.
SUNDAY NIGHT I started my day with God at church. Can’t go wrong with that. Then later my parents treated me and the family to dinner at one of my favorite hibachi restaurants.
I had the chicken and shrimp hibachi with vegetable fried rice, and a frozen margarita. For dessert I ordered green tea fried ice cream. YES, YES and YESSS! Everything was so delicious, so I was a very happy camper.
For my outfit, I wanted to dress up this plain black sweater dress I had gotten a while ago. And so any excuse I get to rock my leopard faux fur coat (and blue strappy heels) is always A-OK in my book.
*Black, Blue, Leopard…I sense a theme. 😉
Last but not least I ended my night with some blueberry pie, instead of birthday cake, I love pie so this was perfect. My whole weekend was perfect. It wasn’t a crazy rager, but it was exactly what I needed to ring in my golden birthday! 😀 I am blessed to be surrounded by such amazing people who made it that more special. ❤
I also got a bunch of great gifts too, I think I might do a Birthday Haul/What I Got For My Birthday post-Stay Tuned!
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As is the Gender Reveal Party Vlog for my brother and sister in law and a Family Trip Vlog to Great Wolf Lodge we took last Summer. I also shot a bunch of footage of a Polar Express Trip and my best friend’s engagement night. Really got to get back to editing!!!! 
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Michelle Leigh Writes 